The New Haven Public School’s fifth grade curriculum focuses on developing the students’ ability to use active reading strategies to form an initial understanding of a literary work. “Initial Understanding” is a term that encompasses the ability to identify themes, character motivations and development, setting, main ideas, and the practice of before, during, and after reading strategies. The student must convey ideas both orally and through the written response. In addition, students should be exposed to experiences, vocabulary, and cultures that are unfamiliar to them.
I hope to develop a unit for my fifth graders that exposes them to cultural diversity through the use of both film and literature. Cinema is an integral part in almost every child’s understanding of the surrounding environment; the cinema is a means by which I can encourage my students to form an understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity. Cinema can entrance students and expose them to a world that is beyond their own limited personal experiences. It is a common thread that is able to interconnect individuals from varying regions of the world. By exposing my students to both film and literature, from a different geographical location, I will be able to expose them to a culture that has both similarities and differences to their own. Throughout the unit, my students will explore the Irish culture and discuss the differences between the Irish folktales that have survived for generations, and the American legends (Halloween, Santa Claus, tooth fairy) that have influenced American children for centuries. In addition, my students will become exposed to a culture that has had many political and personal conflicts based on religious beliefs; hopefully, my students will begin to appreciate and recognize their own freedom and the importance of being able to choose their own religious beliefs. Also, geographically, they will study the physical environment of Ireland and contemplate the ramifications of living on an island exemplified by lowlands, pastures and bogs. They will understand the correlation between the geographical characteristics of Ireland and the influence they have both on the Irish culture and economy. It is my hope that if children are exposed to cultural diversity in a pleasurable and educational manner, there may be more understanding and compassion for the differences that exist.
The basis for my unit will be Ireland, specifically focusing on common themes explored within Irish folktales (both traditional and modern interpretations), poetry, and Irish cinema. In studying these genre, we will explore the importance of land within the Irish culture (geographically and topographically) and the customs and beliefs of the people.
Conclusively, I hope to take my students on a magical journey throughout Ireland and expose them to the uniqueness of this fascinating culture. In doing so, I hope they begin to appreciate the language, traditions, and customs of the Irish people while gaining a respect and understanding for what may be different.
